Shigure left the courtyard with Aning.
But didn't take the 5th Division's main gate. Instead, from the barracks' central courtyard, he headed left toward the south.
Shortest route to the 6th Division barracks.
Though Shigure had told Rukia it wasn't urgent, he was actually quite eager about the check-in location.
No official duties right now. Learning Frostburn Valley's details early would help arrange future check-in plans.
Leading Aning forward, they finally reached the 6th Division barracks.
The 6th Division barracks differed from the 5th Division's single-story courtyard—it had three floors.
One side connected to the main street. From the street, you could clearly see windows facing it. Internal layout obvious at a glance. Each floor's rooms formed units, nearly square, wooden window frames.
Street-facing walls stood straight. No balconies or decorations.
This simple yet elegant style perfectly embodied the 6th Division's motto: "Noble Reason."
When Shigure arrived, he spotted Byakuya Kuchiki's location through Resonance Vision.
Right now, top-floor room. Leaning against the window edge. Looking down at the street below.
Just as Shigure noticed him, Byakuya seemed to spot them too.
But out of courtesy, neither called out.
Leading Aning upward, Shigure grew curious.
After leaving the Soul Wall palace, Aning's courage had grown considerably.
Yesterday, she'd only dared clutch his haori. Following wherever he went. Terrified of getting lost.
But today while climbing stairs, passing flower clusters and potted plants, she actually stopped following. Ran off on her own to look.
Only looked though. Didn't dare touch.
Only when Shigure called would she trot back. Yet her gaze still curiously surveyed everything.
Even when 6th Division members passed by, she showed no fear.
Shigure suddenly felt she was beginning to adapt to life in the Seireitei.
Reaching the top floor, Shigure didn't waste time. Headed straight for Byakuya's room.
No obstacles.
Even the two Soul Reapers guarding the entrance silently bowed their heads in respect.
Shigure stood before the door. Before he could speak, Byakuya's voice came from inside:
"Please enter, Captain Segawa."
Voice calm yet full of vigor. No trace of injury.
Shigure didn't hesitate. Pulled open the door. Walked in.
Inside, Byakuya no longer leaned against the window. Sat properly before a tea table. Two cups of fresh tea brewing—clearly prepared for Shigure.
Shigure didn't speak. Smiled. Walked forward.
After entering, Aning even obediently turned and closed the door.
Seeing this, even Byakuya's gaze flickered.
Yesterday, Aning had been someone with absolutely no manners. Today, completely different.
Noticing her action, Shigure smiled knowingly.
In every respect, Aning's learning speed and adaptability were extremely strong.
"So then..."
Byakuya withdrew his gaze. Looked at Shigure calmly:
"Captain Segawa... coming to the 6th Division at this time, is there some urgent matter?"
He didn't say "please sit," but his hands slowly pushed the teacup forward.
Shigure didn't care about formalities. After sitting, directly picked up the teacup. Laughed lightly:
"Not really urgent. But there's something I'd like to ask about."
After speaking, took a light sip.
Worthy of Byakuya's taste. The moment this tea entered his mouth, fragrance overflowed. Spreading throughout his entire mouth and body. Refreshing.
Aning blinked watching. Shigure handed her the teacup.
Seeing this, Byakuya's expression didn't change. As if mentally prepared:
"Go ahead and speak."
"Mm."
Shigure withdrew his gaze from Aning. Then in a casual tone:
"I wonder if Captain Kuchiki has ever heard of 'Frostburn Valley'?"
The moment these words fell, Byakuya's hand movements suddenly stopped. Gaze flickered.
"What you wish to ask about... is Frostburn Valley?"
Shigure's smile didn't change. Nodded lightly: "That's right. I ask Captain Kuchiki for guidance."
Byakuya set down his teacup. Closed his eyes slightly. Then looked over calmly:
"What I know comes from family archive records."
"If you already know those things, I have nothing to guide you with."
Hearing this, Shigure immediately knew his deduction was correct. Smiled:
"Then I'll trouble Captain Kuchiki."
"...Mm."
Byakuya nodded slightly. Then in an even voice:
"Since you came to ask about Frostburn Valley, you should know—"
"In the Soul Society territorial archives currently held by the nobility, this place doesn't exist, correct?"
Shigure nodded. Didn't speak. Listened quietly.
Byakuya continued:
"In reality, Frostburn Valley did exist."
"But the reason it wasn't recorded wasn't oversight. Rather... it was removed."
Shigure's gaze flickered.
Removed...?
Byakuya's expression remained calm. Unhurriedly:
"Frostburn Valley's original location was right behind the current Shihōin family estate."
"And the reason it was removed is because—"
"This valley completely disappeared over three hundred years ago... due to a battle between the Head Captain and an enemy."
"...?!"
Shigure's gaze jumped. He instinctively spoke: "Disappeared?"
This Frostburn Valley—the reason he couldn't find it was because it got destroyed three hundred years ago?!
Then this system... why is it making me check in there???
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (100+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!